Tag Archives: Boston Bruins

Torey Krug

Boston Bruins: Torey Krug Injured; Latest Camp Transactions

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EARLY TOUGH BREAKS

Yesterday it was announced that Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will be out following an ankle injury he sustained during the pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Following the game, there was speculation as to whether or not Krug would be ready for the opener on Wednesday. Things didn’t look too good for the 27-year-old as he was seen leaving the arena in a camwalker boot. For Bruins fans, it’s sorta of a déjà vu as Krug also suffered an ankle fracture during the end of the playoff loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. General Manager Don Sweeney also stated that Krug will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

 

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(Photo Credits: NBC Sports)

OPENING THE DOOR

Not exactly the best way to start a season, but it’s certainly not the first time this Bruins team has faced injuries early on. Last year, Boston seemed to be hit by one injury after another. As the story goes, many analysts weren’t exactly positive about the team and chalked it up as a rebuilding phase. And if you followed closely last season, the Black and Gold (with all those first-year guys) made the Playoffs. Last year’s team was all about the explosion of youth and the chemistry that the team developed; something that will hopefully carry over to this year’s team. With Krug out for a few weeks and Matt Grzelcyk nursing a lower-body injury, the reality of Urho Vaakanainen making it on the varsity team is no longer a long shot.

“He’s got poise and patience, and he’s a great skater that covers a lot of ice. He’s got to continue to get stronger and understand the physicality that he’s going to face if and when he plays. Has he passed other players? Well, he’s performed better than some other players and those players have had injuries during that time period as well. So the jockeying begins as it does at every position. He’s made the most of the opportunity he’s been given, so good for him.”-GM Don Sweeney

OTHER NOTES

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Photo Credits: The Canadian Press

In other Bruins news, GM Don Sweeney also announced yesterday that both forward Peter Cehlarik and center Trent Frederic have been assigned to the Providence Bruins (AHL). Frederic has recently been in the “running” for that third center line spot. Cehlarik, for his part, has been making a push to crack a spot on the Bruins roster. During the preseason, Cehlarik played four games and netted one goal with four assists. As injuries creep up, (which will happen) we may see both Cehlarik and Frederic come up from P-Bruins and fill a slot.

And lastly, Patrice Bergeron looks to be ready for the season opener. The 33-year-old center has missed all preseason and China games to rehab from a groin surgery. Coach Bruce Cassidy offered some good news:

Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko Signed; Bruins Announce More Training Camp Transactions

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The Boston Bruins announced Friday afternoon that they had signed 18-year-old Czech forward Jakub Lauko to a three-year entry-level contract. He will be playing for the Huskies Rouyn-Noranda team in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League).

Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko signs with the Boston Bruins (Photo Courtesy: Instagram @jakub_lauko)

The young forward played in two preseason games where he netted two goals with a plus-one rating.  He recently played for the Czech team Pirati Chomutov (Czech Extraliga). Some quick stats: In the Under-18 World Junior Championship, he had three goals and three assists for six points in seven games. With the Under-17 team, he netted seven goals and 11 assists for a total of 18 points in 20 games. For the Pirati Under-16, team Lauko potted 26 goals with 35 assists in 24 games.

Jakub Lauko’s three Extraliga goals in 2017-18

Czech left wing Jakub, a prospect for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, scored three goals as a 17-year-old playing for Chomutov in his country’s top men’s league. Lauko also participated in both the 2018 World Juniors and World Under-18 Championship. NOTE: HockeyDraftCentral does not own any of this footage, which belongs entirely to its original rights-holder(s).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUkuxTyzIak]

 

More Training Camp Moves

Swedish player Jakob-Forsbacka Karlsson along with Jakub Zboril, Ryan Fitzgerald and Jordan Szwarz will be sent down to Providence (AHL). Goaltender Zane McIntyre is placed on waivers. With pre-season speculation as to who would fill the open third-line center spot and with “JFK” being sent to Providence, the race has tightened. Both Sean Kuraly and Trent Frederic are two players that Coach Bruce Cassidy will be looking to slot that spot. The St. Louis, MO native has 13 games under his belt while playing for the Providence Bruins last season.  He posted five goals with three assists. With the Under 20 World Junior Championship USA, he played seven games and scored five goals.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOLcZmVXdrs]

 

Kuraly already spent some time on the third line with some ice time during last seasons Playoff run. In 12 games he netted two goals, including a spectacular double OT goal in Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators. During the regular season, he played 75 games, with six goals and eight assists.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgE2K_UU7GA]

Joakim Nordstrom

Boston Bruins: What Joakim Nordstrom Brings To The Table

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The countdown to the regular season has started and the Boston Bruins will be seeing the return of many familiar faces and some new ones. For Joakim Nordstrom the major question is- does he fit into the picture? Boston lost both Tim Schaller and Riley Nash this offseason, so would the Swedish forward fill one of those vacant spots? That will depend on how well he does during training camp. The competition will be fierce and the Bruins have a lot of talent. So much depth means one thing: Cassidy is going to have to make some tough decisions. So let’s get to know more about the player from Stockholm.

Scandinavian Invasion

Joakim Nordstrom

(Photo Credits: Associated Press)

The 6’1″ 189 lbs Nordström started his early career playing for the Swedish Ice Hockey Club Södertälje SK before being signed by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013. He was also part of the team that won the 2015 Stanley Cup Championship. A quick peek at his stats: in 282 career games played he has 20 goals and 29 assists. He had a career-high 10 goals in 71 games with 14 assists while playing for the Carolina Hurricanes. While he may not have the same numbers as Riley Nash, what he could bring to the team is some solid skating. Not to mention being a decent penalty killer (which the Bruins can always use).

“I think my biggest asset as a player is my skating. I know the Bruins want to play fast, so that is, obviously, something I can help with…I played a lot of PK, so that’s, obviously, something that I wanted to bring to the table, as well. I don’t want to limit myself to just be a special-teams guy, so hopefully I can take my game to the next level here with the Bruins.”

What’s Next

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(Photo Credits: Gregg Forwerck/NHL/GETTY IMAGES)

Nordström is quick but if you ask any ‘Canes fan, his offensive play is something that needs some tweaking. Especially if he wants to play on the 4th-line. What the Swedish player is good at is reading and setting up plays, but has trouble finishing around the net. What he lacks offensively, he makes up for  in his PK (penalty kill), which bodes well for the Bruins.

Will he replace Nash? Possibly. He may not dazzle fans with his hockey skills but he’ll prove to be a versatile player who may be slotted as either a center or winger. For Cassidy, Nordström does seem like he would be a great Nash 2.0. But nothing is ever etched in stone. When speaking with Providence Journal’s Mark Divver, Cassidy shared his thoughts on newly signed Chris Wagner and Nordström:

“We hope those two guys can give us what (Nash and Schaller) gave us. We feel they can”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fYJMzcOwVo&w=560&h=315]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt4FmEd4Ipg&w=560&h=315]

Bruins Winter Classic Logo Announced

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Bruins show logo for 2019 Winter Classic

Photo courtesy:
Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins gave everyone a sneak peek of this season’s Winter Classic logo. The team published a large block “B” in black and gold on their various social media platforms. The Bruins wore a similar version during the NHL’s 75th anniversary celebrations during the 1992 season.

Boston first wore this logo in brown and gold during the 1932 season.

The version they chose for this year is an updated B from their current jerseys, instead of the logo that was worn in the 1930’s and used for the 75th Anniversary.

The 2019 Winter Classic will be played on January 1, 2019 at the home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. There has not been an announcement pertaining to the release of the actual jersey itself, but expect one coming soon.

Here is a possible concept for the jersey, courtesy of sportslogos.net

B-Mer concept per Sportslogos.net

 

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Adam McQuaid

Adam McQuaid’s Role In Boston

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Adam McQuaid has spent his entire nine-year career in Boston. He is not the Bruins top defender or even in the top four. That does not mean he has not been valuable to the Bruins since making his NHL debut in the 2009-2010 season. McQuaid affects the game in many ways that do not show up on a stat sheet. This season he will be fighting for minutes as the Bruins have eight defensemen under contract. The only locks appear to be Torey Krug, Charlie McAvoy, Zdeno Chara, John Moore, and Brandon Carlo. That will leave Kevan Miller, Matt Gryzelcyk, and McQuaid fighting for limited minutes. McQuaid will more than ever need to show the intangibles that have made him so valuable to the Bruins over the years to get consistent minutes.

Where Adam McQuaid Excels

McQuaid is not an offensively gifted defenseman. In his career, he has only scored 13 goals and distributed 53 assists. His best offensive season was 2010-2011 when he had three goals and 12 assists. What separates McQuaid is the way he affects the game with his physical style of play. He is not afraid to throw his body around and often acts as an enforcer on the ice. Last season he had 6 fighting majors which was the most on the Bruins. Four of them came on the road which showed that McQuaid was not afraid to stand up for his teammates regardless of where he was. For that reason, McQuaid has endeared himself to his teammates. It may however not be enough as his offensive liabilities could impact his spot in the lineup.

Adam McQuaid

Photo Credit: NHL.Com

Adam McQuaid’s Future In Boston

This season marks the final campaign of McQuaid’s four-year deal. Next off-season the Bruins will have a tough decision to make regarding McQuaid in free agency as a potential trade candidate. Some Bruins who will be free agents include Danton Heinen, Ryan Donato, Charlie McAvoy, and Brandon Carlo. That means McQuaid’s future is bleak as those four will likely be the main priorities next offseason. The Bruins will also have a handful of prospects such as Ryan Fitzgerald entering free agency who will be looking for a significant pay raise next year. The Bruins will want to give their top prospects chances to show what they can do which will impact McQuaid’s playing time.

This season McQuaid will most likely serve as the seventh defenseman. He will make 2.75 million which is expensive for the role he will play. If the Bruins do deal their enforcer to free up salary he could net them a mid-round draft pick. He has shown that he is capable of holding down a bottom pair role and his toughness could interest other teams. That is the unique trait that the Bruins would struggle to replace. Regardless of how the season plays out, McQuaid has created an endearing legacy in Boston. He will be remembered for his toughness and willingness to defend his own teammates. His role in Boston may have diminished but his legacy will not.

2015 draft

Looking Back at the Bruins 2015 Draft

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In the 2015 NHL draft the Boston Bruins had three picks in the first round .They held the rights to the 13th,14th, and 15th overall picks. With those three picks they selected Jakob Zboril, Jake DeBrusk, and Zach Senyshyn. DeBrusk, made his NHL debut last year and is the currently the only one of the three to have made it to the NHL. The other two are close and could contribute to the Bruins soon. They still need more time in Providence but will be given plenty of opportunities. With the NHL season approaching each will play a different role this season as they look to fulfill their draft day expectations of being a 1st round selection.

2015 Draft Picks Review

DeBrusk had an impressive rookie campaign last season. He appeared in 70 games scoring 16 goals while adding 27 assists. He was a force to be reckoned with on the powerplay where he had nine points including two goals. In the playoffs he elevated his game and was not fazed by the increased pressure. In 12 postseason games DeBrusk had 6 six goals tying him for most on the team with Bergeron and Pastrnak. With the season on the line in game 7 against Toronto he had a game to remember. DeBrusk scored the Bruins’ first goal and netted the game winner. The former first round pick was not just a fan favorite because of his performance but because of the passion he showed on the ice. It was a very promising beginning to what could be a special career.

2015 draft

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jakub Zboril

With the 13th pick in the 2015 draft the Bruins took defenseman Jakob Zboril. Unlike Debrusk, Zboril’s career has not gotten off to an easy start. At his first training camp he seemed lost and was still battling a knee injury. After a rocky start Zboril has begun to show the tools that made him a first round pick. Zboril does not have the offensive ceiling of Charlie McAvoy or Torey Krug. That being said he does possess good skating skills and is not afraid to sacrifice his body. He is also excellent on the powerplay. Despite his progress it is unlikely he will make the team out of camp as the Bruins already have eight defenseman under contract. Early on it seemed like Zboril may turn into a bust but he has silenced that notion. With Chara likely retiring sooner rather than later the Bruins will need a top defenseman alongside McAvoy and the Bruins are hoping it’s Zboril.

2015 draft

Photo Credit: Dobber Prospects

Zach Senyshyn

The Bruins took Senyshyn 15th overall with their final pick in the first round. In Senyshyn’s two years with the Sault Marie Greyhounds he had back to back 65 point seasons. In his first year in Providence last season he had only 26 points. He is known for his speed and scoring touch but was streaky last season in Providence. Even when he struggled he did not let that detract from the other areas of his game. There is a significant amount of pressure on Senyshyn as he is the centerpiece of the Dougie Hamilton trade. Like Zboril he will need another year in Providence before he is ready. Senyshyn is still adjusting to the pro game and will need to be less streaky. The talent is there and he could be a fixture on the Bruins top lines for years to come.

2015 draft

Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper- USA Today Sports

Judging The Bruins’ 2015 Draft

With Zboril and Senyshyn likely to start this season in Providence it is still too early to judge them. DeBrusk was the exception and showed that he has the potential necessary to make a major impact moving forward. If Zboril and Senyshyn can live up to the expectations of being a first round pick then Sweeney will look like a genius. Watching these two develop this season will be a storyline to keep an eye on. They both could very well be centerpieces of the roster for years to come.

McAvoy

Making the Case: Charlie McAvoy’s Importance to Boston

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Over the last two years the Bruins have seen the highly anticipated debuts of multiple prospects. Talented forwards such as Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Ryan Doanto made their mark last season. The season before saw the debut one of the most hyped prospects with the Bruins facing injuries in the playoffs. That player is Charlie McAvoy, and he is expected to lead the Bruins’ next core. McAvoy has appeared in 81 NHL games, including the playoffs over the last two seasons. He has already shown that he is one of the best young players in the NHL and the most important player on the Bruins roster.

College Days

The Bruins drafted McAvoy 14th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft out of Boston University. In two seasons as a Terrier he had eight goals and 43 assists. During the 2016 season he became the first BU defenseman to lead the team in points and assists since Matt Gilroy did in 2009. McAvoy was not just impressive on the college level. While playing for team USA, he led all-USA defenseman in points, goals, and assists during the 2014-2015 season. His smooth skating and play making ability were on display which is what makes him unique. Going into the draft he was one of only two U.S. hockey players to receive an A rating.

McAvoy

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

McAvoy Makes His Debut

Charlie McAvoy was the most hyped Bruins prospect in recent memory. He made his NHL debut during the 2016-2017 playoffs as both Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo were injured. In six games he had three assists, including two on the powerplay. The Bruins showed their faith in him by  placing McAvoy on the first powerplay unit. He did not seem overwhelmed by the playoff stage and the expectations surrounding his debut. McAvoy did not look like a rookie but a seasoned player. This created even more excitement for the 2017-2018 season as he was one of the main reasons the Bruins made it such as close series.

McAvoy

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

His First Full Season

In McAvoy’s first full season he had seven goals and 25 assists. On the powerplay McAvoy had two goals and five assists. In 12 playoff games he had five points including his first career playoff goal. McAvoy was paired with Chara on Bruins top defensive unit and they became one of the most formidable pairings in the NHL. McAvoy is the best player on the Bruins roster because of how he affects the ice on both ends. He shows a poise that is rare for someone of his age. He has drawn high praise for his offensive capabilities but showed improvement defensively under Chara’s guidance. No other Bruins defenseman has his ceiling or affects the game in both ends. He will only be better next year and assuming McAvoy stays healthy he should set career highs in goals and assists. With Chara set to retire soon, McAvoy will assume his spot as the Bruins top defenseman and he will be critical to the Bruins success for years to come.

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Bergeron

Making The Case: Bergeron Line The Best In Hockey

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Last season, the Bruins top line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak was one of the best lines in hockey. As the season progressed the Bruins trio became more dominate. If they can all remain healthy next season then they will be the best line in hockey. What makes this line so special is how they are dominant offensively and in their own zone. In the playoffs, they did not slow down and proved to be a matchup nightmare.

Where The Bergeron Line Ranks

Last season Marchand missed 14 games and Bergeron missed 18. Pastrnak was the only one to play in all 82 games, but when this trio was full healthy they were special. The line appeared in 51 regular season games together scoring 27 goals. They were even more impressive defensively as the trio allowed only 16 goals. Even with Marchand and Bergeron missing 32 games combined, they still had the 14th most goals as a line. The trio didn’t allow an even strength goal until January. What makes that streak more impressive is that they played over 220 minutes together without allowing a goal.

Bergeron

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Playoff Dominance

In the playoffs this line did not slow down. In Boston’s five postseason wins, they scored 12 goals while combining for 41 points. For the Lighting to slow them down, the Bruins forced Tampa to play out of their comfort zone. That was not an easy task because of this line’s skills.

Pastrnak is a gifted goal scorer and becoming one of the most creative passers in the league. Marchand continues to improve his all around game and has a talent for getting in peoples’ heads. That leaves Bergeron, who may be arguably the best two way center in the league. They are so dangerous because they can each hurt opponents in different ways.

Bergeron

Photo Credit: Associated Press/ Winslow Townson

Their Competition

The Bruins top line will have competition next season. With the addition of Tavares, the already dangerous top line of Toronto becomes better. The Avalanche also have a impressive first line, with young star Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen, who had 84 points in his sophomore season. The Golden Knights top trio that included William Karlsson and Reilly Smith will be out to prove last year was no fluke. They were tied for the most goals at even strength. The Bruins top line gets the edge because of what they did in limited time.

Bergeron

Photo Credit: Joe McDonald

Final Thoughts

Next season, the expectations will be even higher. The Bruins will be carried by their top line which will begin the season healthy. Last year, they showed that their chemistry is something truely special. What makes them even scarier is that Pastrnak is only 22 years old and still getting better. If they can remain healthy, then the best line in hockey will undoubtedly reside in Boston.

 

Goalie

Bruins 2018-2019 Goalie Outlook ( JamieGatlin1217)

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With the signing of Jaroslav Halak, the Bruins goalie situation is set for next season. Barring any unforeseen injury, Halak will be the Bruins backup goalie. The Bruins also have prospects, Zane Mcintrye and Dan Vladar, waiting in the wings. Rask will be 31 when next season starts and entering his 11th season in the NHL, all with the Bruins. He and Halak will be key for the Bruins next season as they will be looking to make a deep postseason run.

What To Expect from New Bruins Goalie Jaroslav Halak

Last season Halak did not have the best numbers. He appeared in fifty plus games for the first time since the 2014-2015 season. He had a goals-against average of 3.19 and save percentage of .908. Those numbers should improve in Boston as he will have a better defensive unit in front of him. Halak will not have such a heavy workload as he will not be expected to appear in fifty games. Last season, Anton Khudobin appeared in 31 games while backing up Rask, which is what will be expected of Halak. With a smaller workload, Halak has been better. During the 2015-2016 season, he appeared in 36 games recording a 2.30 Goals Against average and .919 save percentage. His six shutouts last season were his most since the 2011-2012 season when he had seven.

Goalie

Photo Credit: Jim Mclsaac

The Incumbent

Rask will be the starter barring any dramatic changes. During his tenure in Boston, Rask has received heavy criticism for a lack of postseason success. After struggling at beginning of last season he went on an incredible streak. Rask helped the Bruins earn a point in at least 21 straight games. He finished with a save percentage of .917, his highest since the 2014-2015 season. His 34 wins last season made him the first Bruins goaltender to win 30 or more games in five seasons. In the postseason, Rask was not dominant as he allowed 33 goals but it was not entirely his fault. The Bruins struggled to prevent the stretch pass and were prone to turnovers leaving Rask in tough situations.

Goalie

Photo Credit: Winslow Townson/ USA TODAY SPORTS

What To Expect From the Bruins Netminders

Last season, Rask’s goals-against average rose from 2.23 the season before to 2.36. Rask was still solid and carried the Bruins at times throughout the season. He is at his best when he is not overworked like last season when he appeared in 54 games. The three seasons prior Rask had appeared in at least sixty plus games during the regular season. Halak will have to be solid to give Rask rest and, like Khudobin, push him at times. Trading Rask is unlikely to happen and keeping him fresh for the postseason will be a priority.

Panarin

What Panarin Can Bring to Boston (@JamieGatlin1217)

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This offseason the Boston Bruins have been involved in many rumors, and one name they are linked to is Artemi Panarin. The Blue Jackets left winger is in the final year of his deal and has not committed to re-signing with Columbus. He can give the Bruins a major boost offensively, as his lowest point total in his first three seasons is 74. He is also only 26, meaning the Bruins would be adding a young impactful forward. Acquiring him would not be cheap, but he would make the Bruins a more dangerous team.

Panarin’s Rookie Season

Panarin was signed by the Blackhawks to a two-year-entry level contract in the 2015 offseason. He was passed over in the 2010 NHL Draft, but Panarin made a name for himself in his rookie season. The young forward made his debut during the 2015-2016 season. He appeared in 80 games, scoring 30 goals while adding 47 assists. Panarin won the Calder trophy which is awarded to the NHL’s best rookie. He surprised everyone in the NHL including his own team who had high expectations, but were not expecting a 77 point rookie season. He followed up his rookie year with an even more impressive sophomore campaign.

Panarin

Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images

Panarin Continues To Flourish

Panarin was impressive in second season as he did not endure a sophomore slump. He had 74 points for Chicago but last year had a career year. In 81 games after being traded to Columbus Panarin set new career highs in points with 82 and assists with 55. He was key on the powerplay as he had 28 points. In each of Panarin’s first three seasons he has never had less than 26 points on the man advantage.  He is durable as he has played in at least 80 games the last two years. Acquiring the young forward would mean parting with some impactful pieces.

Panarin

Photo Credit: The Fourth Period

Can Sweeny Pull it Off?

The Bruins are a team that could have the pieces to acquire the young forward. They have a plethora of prospects that could interest Columbus. They also have NHL proven pieces such as David Krejci, Torey Krug, and Danton Heinen. The Bruins would need to be sure they could re-sign Panarin as the cost would be too great for just a one year rental. If they could sign Panarin then they would have Marchand, Pastrnak, and Panarin under control for at least the next five years. Acquiring Panarin would improve this team, and he is a key player to watch as the offseason continues.